"That was the true Light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
"For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
"And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me."
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of truth."
"Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time."
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
"And he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.
Thus we have quoted some of the words of revelation that are manifestly opposed to the idea of eternal torment.
To be sure, there are Scripture statements that are difficult to explain on this basis; but their import is generally more or less obscure. On the other hand, there are statements so favorable to the idea of Restoration that their meaning can hardly be mistaken. And always remember this,—that this question is not one for absolute demonstration. It is a question, rather, as to which view is more consonant with reason and Scripture. We are not to suspend our judgment until the matter is proved beyond the shadow of a doubt. We do not act so in other matters. If we did, we should have few earnest convictions on any subject. It is sufficient if a certain view is more probable than another. In that case, according to Bishop Butler's dictum, we should believe it as though it were demonstrated. In this particular case, though the question is beset with a great deal of mystery, as we might expect, the theory of discipline is far more agreeable with Scripture and reason than that of everlasting torment.